Ageism limits older adults’ digital inclusion, perpetuating misconceptions about their tech abilities. Despite many using technology, gaps persist, depriving them of benefits. As society digitizes, digital literacy becomes crucial, but older adults often lag. Efforts focus on broadening digital literacy to include cognitive and social-emotional skills. Addressing fake news is key, with education on identifying and combating misinformation empowering older adults to navigate online content safely. By equipping them with these skills, we foster a more inclusive digital society.
Digital ageism discrimination
Many studies have researched the problems that older people are facing with every day, when it comes to Information technologies (IT). Some of them showed logical, cognitive and emotional difficulties as well as lack of motivation to try new technologies and enjoy the benefits of the digitalization in the same way that younger people does. Despite the difficulties of using digital technology, there are many benefits as well for the elderly, giving them the opportunity to live their lives more comfortable and independent in their current homes and communities.
However, there is a discrepancy between what IT has to offer and what older people actually want and need, and this transition to digital services might cause the exclusion and discrimination. Accessibility for people with disabilities such as the visually impaired or the hard of hearing and accommodations for speakers of different languages are not necessarily tailored to the needs of older adults. Despite all, the prevailing tendency is to blame the older adults themselves for their unwillingness to adjustment to online services and their conservatism and techno phobia to explain why they are not using digital services.
Bridging the Digital Gap: Combatting Misinformation and Inequality
Recognizing the specific challenges faced by the elderly, combating misinformation and addressing digital inequality emerge as pressing imperatives. Misinformation not only induces fear and stress among older adults but also contributes to societal polarization and strained interpersonal relationships. Meanwhile, the digital gap, encompassing variations in internet access, attitudes, and skills, perpetuates digital exclusion among older populations. Efforts to empower the elderly with digital literacy skills and confidence are vital, necessitating comprehensive strategies to make digital platforms more accessible and user-friendly for all age groups.
How can digital technologies be more inclusive?
Digital technology empowers older adults by overcoming physical barriers, enabling contact with remote family and friends, and facilitating cultural participation, access to information, online shopping, banking, and health services. Digital literacy enhances independence, physical and mental well-being, and cognitive health, helping older adults maintain their identity. As everyday life becomes increasingly digital, it is crucial to understand what “digital literacy” means for older adults. Terms like digital literacy, digital skills, digital competences, internet skills, ICT literacy, and 21st-century skills are often used interchangeably, though they vary in scope. Digital literacy generally refers to the ability to understand and use information from various digital sources. Despite its multifaceted nature, there is no consensus on a single definition.
Ensuring digital inclusion for older adults involves overcoming five key barriers: access, installation, knowledge, design, and trust. This requires providing high-speed, affordable internet and devices, along with installation and support. Digital literacy programs and up-to-date information on relevant technology are essential. Technology must be inclusively designed with older adults in mind, and there must be confidence in the security and ethical use of personal data. Achieving digital equity necessitates a collaborative public-private approach.
To combat the implications of the global infodemic and misinformation, it is critical to develop and learning materials for the elderly and training programs for adult education staff, focusing on digital and media literacy.
References:
- Vercruyssen, A., Schirmer, W., Geerts, N. & Mortelmans, D. (2023). How “basic” is basic digital literacy for older adults? Insights from digital skills instructors. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1231701
- Manor, S. & Herscovici, A. (2021). Digital ageism: A new kind of discrimination. Human Behavior And Emerging Technologies, 3(5), 1084–1093. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.299
- Vivion, M., Reid, V., Dubé, E., Coutant, A., Benoit, A., & Tourigny, A. (2024). How older adults manage misinformation and information overload – A qualitative study. BMC Public Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18335-x